Then & Now: Gen. Rufus Putnam Hall, 4 Uxbridge Road, Sutton
Gen. Rufus Putnam, like the building in Sutton Center that bears his name, has long had a role in the history of the town.
In fact, the town seal proudly declares Sutton as the birthplace of the noted military officer.
Putnam, born in Sutton on April 9, 1738, fought in the French and Indian War and later the American Revolution. His engineering skills — designing fortifications — made him a key aide to George Washington, especially in New York, where he fought in the Battle of Saratoga. He rose to the rank of brigadier general.
Meantime, many people in Sutton likely recognize the name as the one attached to the two-story building in Sutton Center, in the shadow of the fire station. Gen Rufus Putnam Hall — shown in this week's Then photo — was built for $714.92 by the Olive Branch Lodge of the Master Masons. When it opened in 1823, the growing lodge set up on the second floor and a district school filled the first floor.
The 200-year history of the building, at 4 Uxbridge Road, will be the focus of a celebration and exhibit opening next month. The Sutton Historical Society event, from noon to 3 p.m. on Sept. 30., is open to the public.
The building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and now houses the Gen. Rufus Putnam Museum.
The long-ago partnership between the Masons and school district didn't last long. In 1851, amid tension between the tenants, the Masons moved out, with the school district taking over both floors. For the next 50 or so years, children in a range of grades attended the school, with the second floor first serving as a high school in 1872.
In the early 1900s, the local chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution leased the building from the town. The chapter carried the name of Gen. Putnam. It is believed the DAR was the first to attach Putnam's name to the building.
In 1934, with the town needing school space, the DAR moved out. From 1934 to 1954, the building served as a school, called the Gen. Rufus Putnam School. (The school end date has been corrected.)
For many years, the public library was in the building, until 1983. A bookmobile carried books to other parts of town.
In 1986, the Sutton Historical Society took over the building.
Meantime, Sutton is not the only place where the name of Rufus Putnam lives on. He lived in Rutland for a short time (1781-88), but long enough to earn a mention in that town's seal.
He was a land surveyor, and his interest in real estate prompted him to join an effort called the Ohio Company of Associates. Western lands was the goal, with the group of Revolutionary War veterans eventually settling what became Ohio, in 1788.
Putnam is credited with founding Marietta, Ohio, home of a Rufus Putnam House. Like in Sutton, his name lives on in memorials and buildings.
Thank you to the Sutton Historical Society for assistance with this story.
Last week Then & Now: Poolside, 586 Main St., Worcester
This article originally appeared on Telegram & Gazette: Then & Now: Gen. Rufus Putnam Hall, 4 Uxbridge Road, Sutton
